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Loic Remy denies he has only joined QPR because they have offered him more cash

Loic Remy insists he joined rock-bottom QPR for the 'interesting challenge' rather than money after snubbing Newcastle.

By Hayley Paterson

Last Updated: 19/01/13 1:40pm

Loic Remy: The Frenchman has said he was excited by the challenge QPR posed rather than the money.

The French striker looked destined to be joining the Magpies in a £10 million switch from Marseille, but opted to join Harry Redknapp at Loftus Road at the second time of asking after a game of Fifa 13 with Hoops chairman Tony Fernandes helped change his mind.

With QPR being five points adrift of safety, Remy's choice of destination has come under scrutiny. It is also understood that the Frenchman has a clause in his contract allowing him to leave if the Rs are relegated.

"I don't really want to think about relegation because I don't think we'll be in that position," the forward said.

"If and when that time comes, my agent and QPR will sit down and talk about that. I don't want to discuss the terms of my contract, I just want to get up and running.

"Now is the time for me to show all my detractors what I can do and that Loic Remy is a good footballer.

Interesting challenge

"The finances didn't come into it at all. It was not a decision about money. It is an interesting challenge.

"A lot of people were shocked that I chose QPR over Newcastle.

"But I know Harry Redknapp and I think he is someone who can help me improve as a footballer."

Remy, who is expected to make his Premier League debut at West Ham on Saturday, is hopeful French team-mate Yann M'Vila can join him from Rennes with a bid from QPR for the 22-year-old midfielder still in the balance.

"I would like him to come here because the project is very exciting," said the 26-year-old.

"We all want him here. I've told him how nice it is here, how nice the people are, and I think he'd be very happy.

"But ultimately it's not for me to make decisions for his career. We need players like Yann M'Vila."